International education providers, hardest hit by COVID-19 and border closures, can now apply for up to $150,000 to improve and diversify their online and offshore education offerings.
The Morrison Government's $9.4 million Innovation Fund is now open to eligible private higher education and English language providers.
Applicants will need to demonstrate a loss in international student fees of more than 30 per cent as a result of border closures and show that they can adapt to new ways of operating.
Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge said the support is targeted to those providers who need it most while border restrictions remain in place.
"While universities have seen an overall drop of around 12 per cent in international enrolments compared to 2020, some private providers have seen up to a 70 per cent decline," Minister Tudge said.
"These measures will support providers to maintain as much capacity as possible until international students can return to Australia in larger numbers.
"These grants will also encourage providers to take advantage of growing domestic student numbers and also deliver more education online to international students offshore.
"The global online learning market is booming and we want these Australian businesses to reap the benefits by reaching new students in new countries."
English Australia has been appointed the Program Administrator for the Innovation Fund, for which applications are now open. Payments will be made to successful applicants from July 2021.
The Innovation Fund is part of more than $53 million in targeted support for international education providers most affected by COVID-19 border closures.
